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Electronic systems have been used in commercial vehicles for quite a few years now. At the start, this primarily related to consumer electronics equipment (car radio and CB radio), but, since the late 70s, electronic control systems have also been used for a wide variety of applications in commercial vehicles. This development went hand in hand with the development of digital microcontrollers. It was only when such powerful electronic circuits were developed that it was possible to implement complex control tasks at feasible cost with adequately compact design. Nowadays, an extremely wide variety of systems is offered for the engine, suspension, brakes, comfort and entertainment.

The major progress in braking systems in the last years has been the introduction of ABS. Since literature regarding antiskid braking systems for commercial vehicles is available in growing numbers, the objective of this paper is to deepen the knowledge of components. In terms of ABS the different concepts of pneumatic pressure modulation valves and their advantages are compared. There is a discussion on further improvements in air brake systems, such as reducing of response time of pneumatic braking by means of an entirely new approach. The paper continues with traction control and deals with improvements of the efficiency of air compressors. Also the market of commercial vehicles is evaluated.